DELACRUZ OPENING AS ‘HAMILTON’

With the coronavirus pandemic easing somewhat, shows that were earlier shuttered and new ones holding off till the entertainment climate improves, are beginning to sprout again.

Biggest news: Marc delaCruz, who was understudying the titular role in  Lin-Manuel Miranda’s megahit, will appear as Alexander Hamilton when “Hamilton” reopens tonight (Nov. 18) after a long “intermission” at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

It’s a major credit and achievement for the actor from the Big Island and for the AAPI community. While Joseph Morales, another islander, has inherited the lead role (see below), he’s never performed it on Broadway.

DelaCruz becomes the first Filipino-Japanese actor to fully embrace the role of America’s Founding Father. He’s worked hard and long to achieve this prestigious part, and did a performance or two as Hamilton in 2019. Before landing the lead, DelaCruz was understudy for the roles of  Philip Hamilton, John Laurens and King George, and had been covering the roles of Philip Schuyler / Doctor / James Reynolds, too.

Clearly, this is reason enough to finally see “Hamilton” in the flesh, even if you’ve watched the Disney+ film, or revisit the show again to support and applaud our local boy.

Jin Ha, a Korean American, will appear as Aaron Burr, joining DelaCruz in demonstrating the AAPI triumphs on the Great White Way. …

And yes, the aforementioned Morales was in the midst of an ongoing tour of “Hamilton,” is resuming his performances as Alexander Hamilton as the musical criss-crosses the mainland. He was the first local boy to don the costume of AH. …

Two Broadway regulars with Hawaii roots – Ann Harada and Jason Tam – are winding up their performances in “Fairycakes,” packing up Sunday (Nov. 21) at the Greenwich House Theatre in New York instead of the earlier announced Jan. 2 closing. Harada was portraying Musterseed, Tam was Prince/Cupid in the play with Shakespearean influences. …

Stan Egi, an islander who transplanted to the mainland years ago, is rehearsing for the role of Yeye in Max Yu’s “Nightwatch” play, in rehearsals for a run at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. …

Villanueva now a restaurateur

Rodney Villanueva, the popular emcee/comedian, now is a restaurateur. He’s the man behind Celebrahtee’s – local version of Celebrity’s – at the former Pearl City site of Buzz’s atop the hilly terrain.

A manager also is aboard:  Lisa Campollo.

Apparently, Villaneueva hopes to get a Hawaiian vibe going, with lunch and dinner service. The kau kau will be local and there are plans to feature entertainment because the site includes a stage that could easily host singers-musicians, hula dancers or stand-up comics. …

Villanueva used to host wedding receptions and other parties in his previous life. …

And that’s Show Biz. …